I remember that when I was a kid, Avon’s Skin So Soft was used as the mosquito repellent of choice. I don’t know if it was the oily formula or the distinctive scent that kept the bugs from biting, but it worked. I developed a strong aversion to the scent as a child and swore never to touch the stuff again.

So, imagine me recommending a Skin So Soft product here on Beauty on a Budget. Avon’s new formula Skin So Soft products are nothing like the Skin So Soft your mother bought from the local Avon lady.

My sister gave me some Skin So Soft Fusions Dual Softening Body Wash in Light & Lush. I politely put it in the bathroom, but I was wary of trying it.

I was out of my usual shower gel the other day so in desperation I grabbed the tube of SSS. I didn’t realize how much I would love this stuff.

This body wash does it all, from exfoliating to moisturizing. There’s no need to use a body scrub first and then apply lotion for softening skin. The product contains “smoothbrasion” beads that exfoliate dry and dead skin plus an ultra conditioning formula that hydrates and protects skin with jojoba oils.

I could definitely feel the beads doing the scrub work but I was amazed by the silky softness of my skin when I rinsed off. The fragrance is light and barely there, not at all like the heavy scent of the Skin So Soft I knew as a child.

The body wash comes in three fragrances: Light & Lush, Soft & Sensual and Renew & Refresh.

Neutrogena introduces do-it-yourself microdermabrasion in a kit that includes everything you need to give yourself professional results at home.

The Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System contains:

* Advanced Solutions Micro-Oxide Crystallized Cream 2.5 oz - Contains the same aluminum-oxide crystals used by dermatologists and salon professionals for professional level microdermabrasions.

* Advanced Solutions System Applicator - This tool has two speeds to allow you to control the intensity of your treatment for maximum results without discomfort.

* Advanced Solutions Soft Foam Sponge Head - Two sponges are included in the system.

* 2 AA Batteries and Custom Stand for convenient storage when not in use.

The instructions say to use for 5 days in a row to start, then give your skin a week off to adjust. After that you can use the system 2-3 times a week to maintain your results. Neutrogena says that using the microdermabrasion system will exfoliate and lift dead skin, lessen fine lines and wrinkles, fade sun and age spots and give you finer, softer and younger-looking skin.

I approached this product with a slightly scrunched up look, one that sort of says “ouch”. But after reading what others are saying about it, I think it’s a wonderful alternative to paying high prices for similar treatments in a salon or spa. Retailing at about $39.99, it pays for itself with just one use. Future expenses will include replacing the micro-oxide cream and the batteries.

Valentine’s Day means chocolate and who doesn’t love chocolate? Of course, indulging in your chocolate desires can have weighty consequences. But instead of eating it and later wearing it on your hips, wouldn’t it be nicer to luxuriate in it and wear it all over in a sumptuous scented form?

Bath & Body Works Chocolate Mocha Scrub is a deliciously decadent blend of rich, Belgian chocolate, Napa Valley cabernet grapeseed oil and Hawaiian Kona coffee. The coffee acts as an exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells and is rich in anti-oxidants. Chocolate contains smoothing cocoa butter and natural anti-oxidants. Smelling chocolate releases dopamine and endorphins which elevate mood and relieve stress.

Chocolate indulgences don’t have to contain calories.